EAL in action: Highlights from recent visits to colleges and training providers

Engineering & Manufacturing Technical Advisor at EAL, Jonathan Porter, has been visiting colleges and training providers across the UK this summer.

These visits form an important part of how EAL supports the delivery of qualifications, builds strong partnerships, and helps us to provide learners and employers with the highest level of service.

Recent visits

Jonathan’s visits included:

• Make UK
• Wilberforce Sixth Form College
• The University of Derby (Rolls-Royce Nuclear)
• Nottingham College
• HETA.

Each visit provided an opportunity to share expertise, strengthen relationships, and support staff in delivering EAL qualifications effectively.

Purpose and impact

Jonathan represented EAL at a key networking event held at Make UK to promote two new engineering standards. He was a main presenter, showcasing EAL’s commitment to supporting the sector.

Wilberforce Sixth Form College in Hull now delivers new EAL qualifications, so a visit was very much in order. Discussions focused on building a strong working relationship and exploring CPD opportunities for staff.

At the University of Derby (Rolls-Royce Nuclear), Jonathan helped deliver a session on the Machining Technician standard to both delivery staff and apprentices, ensuring the staff could deliver qualifications with clarity and consistency.

On a visit to Nottingham College we provided support with the development of a Level 2 course for the 2026/27 academic year, and delivered training for new staff to build confidence in delivering EAL qualifications.

And at HETA, Jonathan worked with staff to deepen their understanding of the Electro-Mechanical Level 6 standard, which they'll deliver in partnership with Hull University to a new cohort of apprentices.

Highlights

The Make UK event stood out for its collaborative nature. The visit gave us an opportunity not only to present but also to listen, reinforcing EAL’s belief in working in partnership with customers.

The Nottingham College visit carried personal significance for Jonathan, who worked there for nearly 14 years and helped establish the campus in 2010. Returning to see how the college has grown, reconnecting with colleagues, and supporting staff with new challenges reflected EAL’s values in action.

Across all visits, we could see our relationships with providers ran closely alongside the EAL ethos:

• We’re bold
• We make a difference
• We’re in it together
• We value all voices.

These principles were reflected in the conversations, collaboration, and shared problem-solving that took place.

Looking ahead

Technical delivery is an essential part of our engagement with colleges and training providers, but our visits go far beyond that. With every visit we look to strengthen our partnerships, ensure high-quality learning experiences, and support the sector in preparing the next generation of engineers and manufacturers.

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Engineering & Manufacturing